The New Engine in Minnesota’s Postseason Machine
When the Timberwolves handed Julius Randle the game ball after a 102-97 win over the Warriors, it wasn’t just for his triple-double. It was for a transformation — of himself, and of Minnesota’s playoff ceiling.
The 30-year-old finished with 24 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, becoming only the second player in Wolves history with a playoff triple-double (after Kevin Garnett). And even more telling? He’s the first ever with consecutive playoff games of 20+ points and 10+ assists.
“It’s been everything for our turnaround,” said head coach Chris Finch. “It’s everything for our team.”
A Trade That Changed Everything
Minnesota didn’t know they were acquiring their playoff heartbeat when they flipped Karl-Anthony Towns for Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a pick. Now? It looks genius.
Randle’s versatility has unlocked new dimensions. In Game 3, he controlled tempo, punished mismatches, and delivered dagger assists down the stretch. Five of his 12 assists came in the fourth — each one silencing a Warriors surge.
“He’s making the game a lot easier for me,” said Anthony Edwards, who scored 36. “That’s what we asked of him.”
A Playmaker in a Power Forward’s Body
Randle didn’t just fill a stat sheet — he filled a leadership void.
He baited Draymond Green into two crucial fouls, knocked down tough shots, and quarterbacked an offense that out-executed Golden State in the clutch.
“Put a big on him, he’s too quick. Put a guard on him, he’s too strong,” said Jaden McDaniels. “It’s a problem.”
Finch agreed:
“He gives us another point guard out there… his decision-making is dictating the rhythm of our entire offense.”
Timberwolves Becoming Contenders — Not Just a Good Story
The Timberwolves closed the regular season on a 17-4 run. They’re 6-2 in the playoffs. What’s changed? Julius Randle at the controls.
He’s become the bridge between Edwards’ explosive scoring and Gobert’s interior defense — a connector, a commander, a grown man in a postseason full of chaos.
“That’s all I got to say about it,” said Naz Reid. “He’s a grown man.”
And as Minnesota pushes further than they have since the Garnett era, it’s becoming clear: Randle isn’t just helping the Timberwolves win.
He’s helping them believe.
